Democracy is possible in the third world if the organs of the state work according to their prescribed job, if the countries do not accept dictation from the west, if freedom of media is guaranteed, if rule of law prevails, if the concept of welfare state is practiced, if human rights and will of people are given importance and most importantly if personalization of politics and dictatorial rules are controlled.

Recently, Gyanendra Shah of Nepal, the descendant of a proud line of Shah kings going back to 240 years was forced out of office by a popular revolt. It was followed by an election, thus turning the country into a republic. Personalization plays an important role in the politics of third world countries and has become a hindrance in the path of true democracy in these countries.

India is the largest democracy in the world but its people's hearts and minds have yet to capture true democratic spirit. It is undoubtedly a great revolution that it has given the right to vote to the lowest of the low and the poorest of the poor but the Indian society is still far from being equal in spirit. Gandhis and Nehrus of India have dominated Indian politics since her inception. Likewise in Pakistan Bhuttos, Mukhdooms, Murri and Chaudhrys have transferred their crowns to their next generation. Thus emergence of any new faces in Pakistan's politics is always suppressed.

Similarly, in other third world countries, influential families have dominated the political system. In Sri Lanka, Bandaranaike family and in Indonesia, Sukarnoputri families have a key role in running the governments. Furthermore, dictatorial rule has also hampered the smooth flow of democracy in the third world. For instance, in Myanmar, a bunch of thuggish and incompetent army generals have been in charge for several years, while the lady whom the people look up to, Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, languishes in house detention.

Moreover, Pakistan has seen three martial laws and two emergency periods. Not even a single instance, has a true democratic government completed its full tenure. Thus, pure democracy has never prevailed in Pakistan too.

There are a number of reasons that become a hindrance in the way of true democracy. Apparently, it looks as if the west is facilitating the people's will in these countries, however; this is not true. West for the sake of its own vested interest appoints puppets to run the governments. They give dictation to these puppet leaders and thus governments work against the desires of people. Therefore, sovereignty of these countries comes under question.

Moreover, the organs of state in these countries do not work properly as desired from them. Likewise, Pakistan has remained a victim of judicial and media crisis. Desires of the people have always been curbed in order to fulfill the interests of the elite. The capitalistic approach has made the rich richer and poor poorer. The concept of welfare state has been diminished. Thus, all these factors contribute to democratic incompetence.

Therefore, if the organs of the state work effectively, dictation from western powers is not accepted, freedom of media is guaranteed, the concept of welfare state is practised, human rights and the will of people are given importance and lastly the personalization influence in politics and the dictatorial rules are controlled, then there is no doubt that the third world countries will experience true democracy.

SYED JAWAD MUZAFFAR

Karachi